Which medication is commonly used for gout management?

Allopurinol is a common medication used in the management of gout, specifically to lower uric acid levels in the blood. Gout is characterized by the deposition of uric acid crystals in joints, leading to inflammation and pain. Allopurinol works by inhibiting xanthine oxidase, an enzyme involved in the production of uric acid. By reducing the synthesis of uric acid, allopurinol helps prevent gout attacks and the progression of the disease.

While other medications like ibuprofen, prednisone, and colchicine can be used to treat symptoms of gout, they do not directly address the underlying cause of the disease. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can relieve pain and inflammation during acute gout attacks. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that also helps reduce inflammation. Colchicine can be effective in treating acute attacks of gout by decreasing inflammation but does not prevent future attacks or lower uric acid levels. Allopurinol, on the other hand, is mainly aimed at long-term management and prevention of gout. This makes it a cornerstone in the therapeutic approach to patients with recurrent gout attacks.